This year's grouse guiding season was led off by Randy and Leighton, two veteran grouse and woodcock hunters from the great state of Vermont. We stayed in the NEK for this one, as the fellas wanted to learn some new areas of the Kingdom that they hadn't yet hunted. We've hunted together several times and it is truly a pleasure to tromp around the grouse woods with these two gentlemen. Now, we had some great dog work from Randy's dogs Cocoa (pointer) and Nugget (GSP), as well as from Rudy. Unfortunately at this time of year, you are more likely to hear fleeing birds than to actually see them, much less get a realistic chance of hitting them. The jungle of foliage in the early season gives the birds a big advantage over us Elmer Fudds. However, we had a fair number of bird contacts over our two days together, but Randy and Leighton were unable to bring anything to the game bag.

C'est la vie! That is grouse hunting, pure and simple, and we've all had days like this. After all, grouse are, well, grouse! As you dedicated grouse hunters already know, they don't give us too many easy chances. If you can think of more good hunting excuses, please insert them here: ______________________________

Recommended Reading:"The Complete Book of
Woodcock Hunting"
by Frank Woolner

An informative and exhaustive essay on woodcock. Includes how to hunt them, as well as the migratory habits of this fascinating upland bird.
2011 Season Tote BoardTime in the Woods: app. 161.0 hoursGrouse & Woodcock seen, heard, moved & otherwise molested: 522

Birds / Hour Avg.: 3.24/ Hr

Birds Taken: 34 grouse, 21 woodcock

Recommended Reading:"A Grouse Hunter's Almanac"
by Mark Parman

An entertaining look at grouse and why we hunt them. Lots of stories about our canine partners in this experience too, written from a Wisconsin perspective. A great primer for the upcoming season.
2010 Season Tote BoardTime in the Woods: app. 139.5 hours

Grouse & Woodcock seen, heard, moved & otherwise molested: 430

Birds / Hour Avg.: 3.08 / Hr

Birds Taken: 26 grouse, 21 woodcock

Recommended Reading:"Grouse Hunter's Guide"
by Dennis Walrod

A very informative and amusing take on why we are devoted to the pursuit of grouse. Lots of statistics back up the author's many claims. Thanks to Paul O'Neill for his recommendation!
2009 Season Tote BoardTime in the Woods: app. 108 hours

Grouse & Woodcock seen, heard, moved & otherwise molested: 320

Birds / Hour Avg.: 3 / Hr

Birds Taken: 17 grouse, 14 woodcock

Recommended Reading: "A High, Lonesome Call"by Robert Holthouser

I'm not just advocating this book because we sell it in the lodge - it's truly a beautiful depiction of going on a bird hunting odyssey out west.
But beware: read it and you may go ...